Southampton launches unique degree programme in Web Science

The University of Southampton has launched a unique new Web Science undergraduate degree that is the first of its kind in the UK.

The BSc in Web Science is a pioneering multi-disciplinary degree run by the University’s Social Sciences and Electronics and Computer Science divisions.

The three-year degree aims to provide its students with a thorough understanding of the technical underpinnings of the Web as well as the social processes that have shaped its evolution and its impact on society.

From October 2013 students can choose to follow one of two pathways – Web Science (Social Sciences) and Web Science (Computer Science).

They will take a shared core curriculum as well as specialist modules in their chosen pathway.

The degree is based on world-leading research and postgraduate education and adds to Southampton’s role as a key player in the future development of the Web and Web Science.

The University already offers Web Science at postgraduate and research level; is home to the Web Science Doctoral Training Centre; and has created the Web and Internet Science Research Group (WAIS) that is carrying out research to better understand the origin, evolution and growth of the Web and how it is transforming society.

Professor Susan Halford, from Social Sciences, said: “The Web is the largest human information infrastructure in history. Our pioneering course will help our students understand how it works and how it is changing and shaping the everyday lives of billions of people across the planet from their business and social lives to political organisation.

“Working with our colleagues in Electronics and Computer Science we have developed the Web Science degree that is the only programme of its kind in the UK. As well as looking at the technological side of the Web, we will also be exploring its social influence and understanding how as an organic human-driven entity it can shape our business, our homes, our governments and our families and friends.”